Crossroads school districts contemplate possible sugary drinks ban

Victoria and El Campo school districts do not sell sugary sodas to students, but the schools may have to halt the sale of some drinks, such as Powerade, on the junior high school level.

A coach would be allowed to give a student athlete the beverage after an hour of vigorous physical activity.

The districts only sells drinks like Gatorade to students on the secondary level according to state guidelines, said Scott Gelardi, El Campo school district nutrition director.

"It's one of our top-selling drinks," Gelardi said.

Gatorade is also available for sale, along with pink lemonade and Powerade, on VISD junior high school campuses, said Dustin McHale, VISD child nutrition assistant director.

"We have other fruit juices and vegetable juices that could replace the sports drinks," said Dana Bigham, VISD child nutrition director. "We, as a community, need to continue those habits outside of school as well."